Location

Qina Town is located in the southwest of (永胜县) Yongsheng County, (丽江市) Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is 55 kilometers away from Yongsheng County and 44 kilometers in a straight line. It borders (东风傈僳族乡) Dongfeng Lisu Township to the east, (涛源乡) Taoyuan Township to the southwest, and (程海) Chenghai to the north. The town lies in the central area of the southern three townships and two towns. Both the (宾永高速) Binyong Expressway and (祥宁二级路) Xiangning Secondary Road pass through the area, making transportation convenient.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Qina Town is home to more than 10 ethnic minorities, including the (回族) Hui, (彝族) Yi, (傈僳族) Lisu, and (壮族) Zhuang. Traditional skills include:

• Yi Embroidery: Known for its bright colors and rich patterns, it holds significant artistic value.

• Fire Grass Weaving: A provincial-level protected skill that showcases the traditional textile techniques of the local Yi and other minority groups.

• Dai Slow Wheel Pottery: While Qina Town is not predominantly inhabited by the Dai people, visitors can still experience similar traditional skills due to the cultural diversity of the Lijiang area.

Customs and Festivals

• Yi Torch Festival: An important festival for the Yi people, typically held on the 24th of the sixth lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits and pray for happiness.

• Lantern Festival Performance: During the Lantern Festival, (期纳村委会) Qina Village Committee and (新蕊艺术培训学校) Xinrui Art Training School hold performances, with a variety of exciting activities.

Ancient Architecture

Qina Town boasts a wealth of ancient architectural resources, including:

• Dongyue Temple: Built during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong, it gradually formed a Taoist temple complex by the time of Emperor Daoguang. It is now a provincial-level key cultural heritage site.

• Ruiguang Temple: Preserves large areas of intact murals from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

• Qingshui Ancient Town: Featuring numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods, such as academies, temples, and ancestral halls. It is known as the “Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture.”

Tourist Resources

• Chenghai: Located to the north of Qina Town, Chenghai is a famous scenic spot in Yongsheng County, known for its beautiful lakes and mountains.

• Qingshui Ancient Town: Situated in (清水村) Qingshui Village in Qina Town, this quaint scenic area is renowned for its scholarly atmosphere and is called the “Land of Cultural Winds.”

• Guyu Village: A traditional Chinese village full of historical charm, with several ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. Among them, the (魁星阁) Kuixing Pavilion, built during the Qing Dynasty, is a symbolic structure.

• Qina Ancient Architecture Complex: Comprising nine cultural heritage sites, including (瑞光寺) Ruiguang Temple, (黄家宗祠) Huang Family Ancestral Hall, and (阮家大院) Ruan Family Courtyard. The total building area is about 4,600 square meters.

Transportation

• By Road: From Lijiang, drive along the (宾永高速) Binyong Expressway or (祥宁二级路) Xiangning Secondary Road for approximately 1 hour to reach Qina Town.

• Public Transport: Take a local bus or taxi from Yongsheng County to Qina Town.

Accommodation and Cuisine

• Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses available in the town. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Yongsheng County, where accommodation conditions are relatively better.

• Cuisine: Local specialties include (永胜火腿) Yongsheng Ham, butter tea, and chicken soup.

Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Qina Town.

Location

Renhe Town is located in the southeastern part of (永胜县) Yongsheng County, in the (金沙江) Jinsha River dry-hot valley area. It is 58 kilometers away from Yongsheng County, with an area of 455.3 square kilometers. The region is blessed with excellent ecological vegetation, abundant sunlight and heat, fertile land, and abundant water sources. The average annual temperature is 18°C, making it a sunny town and a great place for health and wellness.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Renhe Town is home to several ethnic minorities, including the (彝族) Yi and (傈僳族) Lisu. Traditional skills include:

• Yi Embroidery: Known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, it holds significant artistic value.

• Fire Grass Weaving: This traditional textile craft reflects the techniques of the local Yi and other minority groups.

Customs and Festivals

• Yi Torch Festival: An important festival for the Yi people, usually held on the 24th of the sixth lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits and pray for happiness.

• Yi Dance (打跳): A traditional dance of the Yi people, an important part of local Yi culture.

Ancient Architecture

• Ruan Family Courtyard (冉家大院): Built during the late Qing Dynasty, the preserved section is a two-entry courtyard with a timber and earth structure. The total area is approximately 1,300 square meters, with 12 rooms of various sizes. The courtyard’s structure is exquisite and well-preserved. It has now been transformed into the “Red Flag Memory” village history museum and a party education base in (红旗村) Hongqi Village.

Tourist Resources

• Hongqi Village (红旗村): It takes only about half an hour by car from Renhe Town to reach Hongqi Village. The village enjoys favorable geographical conditions, with a forest coverage rate of over 80%. It boasts rich red culture and a strong ecological foundation. The village’s terrain features significant elevation changes, preserving the unique landscape of the Sichuan-Yunnan mountainous villages. Fruits such as mangoes, cherries, pomelos, and plums are cultivated at different altitudes.

• Hongqi Rural Study and Exploration Base (红旗田园农耕研学基地): Covering 60 acres, this base focuses on immersive parent-child study experiences with “fun appreciation, fun travel, fun learning, fun food, and fun living.” It combines rural culture, education, and experiential activities with the rich local environment and agricultural products. The base has attracted many tourists for its close-to-nature farming culture and distinctive educational programs.

• Hongqi Farm (红旗农场): Covering about 600 acres, Hongqi Farm is an eco-friendly area with widespread forest coverage, making it an ideal spot for health and leisure. Visitors can also engage in agricultural experiences and enjoy the joy of harvesting.

• “Ten Miles Beyond Dust” Stargazing Campsite (“十里尘外”星空露营地): Deep in Hongqi Village, this stargazing campsite offers a tranquil escape. In the evening, the sunset embraces the mountains and fields. Visitors can sit with friends under the sky, enjoying a relaxing moment.

Transportation

• By Road: From Lijiang, take the relevant road to Renhe Town, approximately 1.5 hours by car.

• Public Transport: Take a local bus or taxi from Yongsheng County to Renhe Town.

Accommodation and Cuisine

• Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses in the town, but you can also opt for accommodations in Yongsheng County, where conditions are relatively better.

• Cuisine: You can taste local specialties like (永胜火腿) Yongsheng Ham and butter tea.

Location

Yongbei Town is located in the northeastern part of (永胜县) Yongsheng County, making it the political, economic, and cultural center of the county. It borders (羊坪乡) Yangping Township and (六德乡) Liude Township to the east, (程海镇) Chenghai Town to the south, (三川镇) Sanchuan Town to the west, and (宁蒗县战河乡) Zhanhe Township of Ninglang County to the north. The town stretches 18.73 kilometers from north to south and 6 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 247.2 square kilometers. The town government is located at an altitude of 2,140 meters, and the climate is characterized by a low-latitude mountain monsoon climate with a cold temperate zone.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Yongbei Town is home to several ethnic groups, including the (汉族) Han, (彝族) Yi, (纳西族) Naxi, and (傈僳族) Lisu. Traditional skills in the area are diverse, including:

• Yongsheng Enamel Silverware Making: This craft is mainly found in the Han ethnic areas of Yongbei Town and (三川镇) Sanchuan Town. It has been sold to Myanmar, India, and other places since the Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Qingxiangzhai Water Crisp Cake Making: Made from fine flour and fresh pig lard, these cakes come in large, medium, and small round shapes. The texture is soft, crispy, and layered.

• Traditional Woodcarving Craft: (Yongbei Town) has a long history of woodcarving, with finely crafted products that have gradually shifted from practical items to ornamental pieces.

• Porcelain Making: The (永胜瓷器文化展示体验空间) Yongsheng Porcelain Cultural Display and Experience Space in (大厂村) Dachang Village offers a 155-year history of porcelain production.

Customs and Festivals

• Yongsheng Han Wedding Feast: A unique folk custom in (Yongbei Town) where traditional Han wedding feasts are held.

• Yi Torch Festival: An important festival for the Yi people, usually held on the 24th of the sixth lunar month. It involves lighting torches to drive away evil spirits and pray for happiness.

Ancient Architecture

As the political, economic, and cultural center of Yongsheng County, (Yongbei Town) is rich in ancient architecture, including:

• Yongsheng Confucian Temple (永胜文庙): Located in (永胜古城) the ancient city of Yongsheng, this well-preserved Confucian temple is an important example of local architecture.

• Ancient City Wall: The ancient city wall of (永胜古城) Yongsheng Ancient City is a key window for researching the history and culture of the (纳西族) Naxi people.

Tourist Resources

• Yongsheng Ancient City (永胜古城): This ancient city preserves many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and serves as an important site for studying Naxi history and culture.

• Shizishan Scenic Area (狮子山风景区): Shizishan is a famous scenic spot in Yongsheng County, offering beautiful views and a viewing platform where visitors can overlook the town and surrounding natural landscape.

• Guanyinqing (观音箐): One of the famous historical sites in (Yongbei Town).

• Qingxiangzhai Water Crisp Cake Making Experience Space: Visitors can sample various traditional cakes and learn about the unique process of making water crisp cakes.

• Traditional Woodcarving Experience Space: This space allows visitors to view woodcarvings from different periods of Yongsheng’s history and experience the process of woodcarving.

• Yongsheng Porcelain Cultural Display and Experience Space: This space not only showcases the processes of porcelain shaping, throwing, and painting, but also presents the production equipment, techniques, and works from different periods of porcelain making.

• Earthenware Making Experience Space (土陶制作体验空间): Visitors can try their hand at making earthenware and appreciate the unique art form.

Transportation

• By Road: (Yongbei Town) is easily accessible, with the (祥宁公路) Xiangning Road and (白石公路) Baishi Road intersecting the town. From Lijiang, it takes about 1 hour by car to reach (Yongbei Town).

• Public Transport: Take a long-distance bus from (丽江客运站) Lijiang Bus Station to Yongsheng County, and then transfer to (Yongbei Town).

Accommodation and Cuisine

• Accommodation: As the central area of Yongsheng County, (Yongbei Town) offers several hotels and guesthouses, including (永胜万恋主题酒店) Yongsheng Wanlian Theme Hotel, (永胜沧阳丰月商务酒店) Yongsheng Cangyang Fengyue Business Hotel, and (永胜红宇酒店) Yongsheng Hongyu Hotel.

• Cuisine: Local specialties include (永胜火腿) Yongsheng Ham, butter tea, and water crisp cakes.

Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to (Yongbei Town).

Entertainment in Xundian County, Kunming

Entertainment in The Stone Forest, Kunming

Entertainment in Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming

According to the Kunming Bird Association, in recent years, the increase in wetlands around Dianchi Lake and the growing awareness of bird protection have attracted more and more birds to nest and settle in Kunming. Over the past half century from 1963 to 2015, Kunming has added a total of 113 bird species, including 19 new records for Yunnan Province and 1 new national record. Additionally, in the years 2016 to 2017 alone, several new wild bird species were added in the surrounding areas of Kunming, including 4 new records for Yunnan.

Professor Wang Zijiang from Yunnan University’s School of Life Sciences led a study conducted by bird experts in Kunming, summarizing and analyzing the types, quantities, and distribution of birds over the past half century. The study revealed that by the end of 2015, Kunming had documented 426 bird species, including extinct species and newly added ones. Before 1963, Kunming had 316 bird species, with an average of 125.3 birds visible per hour. Between 1963 and 2000, the number decreased to 270 species, losing 50 species but gaining 4, with an average of 51.1 birds visible per hour marking it as the period with the fewest bird species in Kunming in over 50 years.

From 2001 to 2013, Kunming recorded 374 bird species, losing 1 but adding 105 new species. The average number of birds visible per hour (excluding Black-headed Gull) reached a historical high of 94.3, indicating a gradual recovery in both species diversity and numbers. Between 2013 and 2015, Kunming saw an addition of 4 new bird species, bringing the total recorded species to 378.

Over the past half century in Kunming, 50 bird species have disappeared, while 113 new species have been added, including 19 new records for Yunnan Province and 1 new national record. The 19 new Yunnan provincial records include species as follows:

• 彩鹮 (Crested Ibis)
• 反嘴鹬 (Eurasian Curlew)
• 黑腹滨鹬 (Black-bellied Plover)
• 灰翅鸥 (Herring Gull)
• 灰喜鹊 (Azure-winged Magpie)
• 蒙古沙鸻 (Mongolian Plover)
• 三趾鸥 (Sanderling)
• 铁嘴沙鸻 (Kentish Plover)
• 长耳鸮 (Long-eared Owl)
• 中杓鹬 (Common Redshank)
• 翻石鹬 (Ruddy Turnstone)
• 斑尾塍鹬 (Spotted Redshank)
• 小滨鹬 (Little Stint)
• 白翅浮鸥 (Black-headed Gull)
• 红嘴巨燕鸥 (Caspian Tern)
• 黄腹鹨 (Yellow-bellied Prinia)
• 家麻雀 (House Sparrow)
• 大滨鹬 (Great Knot)
• 班胸滨鹬 (Curlew Sandpiper)

The national new record is the Spoon-billed Sandpiper钳嘴鹳. Many of these 19 new Yunnan records are waterfowl水禽, with several discovered in the Dianchi Lake wetlands.

In recent years, wild birds such as the Great Cormorant, Crested Ibis, and Eurasian Wigeon have made a comeback in Kunming!

Zhao Xuebing, Secretary-General of the Kunming Bird Watching Association, explains that with growing public awareness and the improvement of wetland environments around Dianchi Lake, from 2016 to 2017, various wild bird species have continued to increase in the outskirts of Kunming. Notable sightings include the Green Bee-eater, Indian Pond Heron, Terek Sandpiper, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, and Booted Eagle, among others. Four of these species, including the Indian Pond Heron, Terek Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, and Spoon-billed Sandpiper, are new records for Yunnan Province, predominantly active in the wetlands surrounding Dianchi Lake. The Green Bee-eater and Booted Eagle are classified as second-level protected national animals.

Furthermore, over the past two years, due to the ecological restoration and improvement of Dianchi Lake’s environment, as well as years of active biodiversity conservation, favorable habitats and wintering environments have been created for birds. This has led to the reappearance of long-lost wild bird species such as the Eurasian Wigeon and Great Cormorant in the vicinity of Dianchi Lake. The Crested Ibis, a second-level protected national animal, has also been rediscovered at Dianchi Lake.

Data shows that over 140 bird species have been recorded in the vicinity of Dianchi Lake in recent years, including several new records for Yunnan Province, such as:

• 三趾鸥 (Sanderling)
• 灰翅鸥 (Herring Gull)
• 须浮鸥 (Black-headed Gull)
• 白翅浮鸥 (Black-headed Gull)
• 铁嘴沙鸻 (Kentish Plover)
• 蒙古沙鸻 (Mongolian Plover)
• 中杓鹬 (Common Redshank)
• 弯嘴滨鹬 (Curlew Sandpiper)
• 黑腹滨鹬 (Black-bellied Plover)
• 斑胸滨鹬 (Curlew Sandpiper)
• 小滨鹬 (Little Stint)
• 大滨鹬 (Great Knot)
• 翻石鹬 (Ruddy Turnstone)

According to local fishermen, there were still a few wild Great Cormorants active around Dianchi Lake in the 1980s, but sightings ceased thereafter. More than 30 years later, in January 2016, researchers from the Kunming Dianchi Lake Ecological Research Institute rediscovered three wild Great Cormorants in the Caohai area of Dianchi Lake. Currently, these wild Great Cormorants are rare, and as of 2013, they have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List version 3.1.

In mid-January this year, many photography enthusiasts from Yunnan captured a slightly larger, black wading bird in the wetlands of Jinning, Kunming. After identification, it was confirmed to be the national second-level protected animal, the Crested Ibis. Once considered extinct in China, the rediscovery of the Crested Ibis in the southern wetlands of Dianchi Lake indicates positive ecological improvements in the area.

On the evening of March 10th this year, during birdwatching in the wetlands of Dianchi Lake in Jinning District, Yunnan Bird Watching Association member Li Jiming discovered five distinctive ducks—the Eurasian Wigeon. While previously recorded at Dianchi Lake, this marks the first sighting in over 30 years in the outskirts of Kunming.

★Noun Explanation

Bird Loving Week

Since 1981, China has designated a week from late April to early May each year as “Bird Loving Week,” advocating and calling on people to care for birds and protect the blue sky. This initiative aims to promote bird conservation across various sectors of society, especially among youth.

4 New Yunnan Record Bird Species Found in Kunming

• Indian Pond Heron (印度池鹭)
• Sanderling (三趾滨鹬)
• Spoon-billed Sandpiper (斑胸滨鹬)
• Bar-tailed Godwit (大滨鹬)

Top 10 Bird Watching Spots in Kunming

1. Dongdahe Wetland (东大河湿地) – Located on both sides of Dongdahe in Dunzi Village Committee, south of Dianchi Lake, this area boasts rich bird species diversity, especially numerous species of ducks. The Crested Ibis 彩鹮was observed here in February this year.
2. Fubao Wetland (福保湿地) – Unique ecological environment around Dianchi Lake with a variety and quantity of sandpipers. Species include the Greater Painted-snipe弯嘴滨鹬, Terek Sandpiper铁嘴沙鸻, and Watercock水雉.
3. Yongchang Wetland (永昌湿地)
   • 海鸥 – Seagull
   • 白鹭 – Egret
   • 青头潜鸭 – Common Pochard
   • 鸳鸯 – Mandarin Duck
4. Luchai Bay (芦柴湾) – Located on the southwest coast of Dianchi Lake, from Luchai Bay to Taishi Village, where a large number of Ruddy Shelducks gather for winter. They constitute the majority of the Dianchi Lake population.
5. Chenggong Wetland (呈贡湿地) – Located between Dounan and Wulong Village, this large area hosts a wide variety of bird species. Rare species around Dianchi Lake include Purple Swamphen紫水鸡, Greater Painted-snipe大麻鳽, and Black-faced Spoonbill钳嘴鹳.
6. Provincial Workers Sanatorium (省工人疗养院) –
   • 白鹡鸰 – White Wagtail
   • 鹊鸲 – Magpie-Robin
   • 黑喉石鵖 – Dark-throated Thrush
   • 小麻雀 – Eurasian Tree Sparrow
   • 喜鹊 – Magpie

    

7. Jindian Scenic Area (金殿名胜区) – Currently home to over 20 bird species including
   • 灰喜鹊 – Eurasian Jay
   • 猫头鹰 – Owl
   • 蜂鸟 – Hummingbird
   • 鹊鸲 – Magpie-Robin
   • 灰腹秀眼 – Gray-breasted Prinia
   • 红嘴蓝雀 – Red-billed Blue Magpie
   • 红嘴相思鸟 – Red-billed Leiothrix
   • 白腰纹鸟 – White-browed Laughingthrush
8. Heilongtan Park (黑龙潭公园) – Birds are most active at dawn here, with visitors able to see birds of various colors and hear melodious bird calls.
9. Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园) – Abundant bird species on the hill, including Eurasian Jay灰喜鹊, Collared Dove斑鸠, Yellow-cheeked Tit黄臀鹎, Red-billed Leiothrix红头长尾山雀, Red-billed Blue Magpie红嘴蓝鸟, and Oriental Skylark白鹡鸰.
10. Suburban Park (郊野公园) – Spot Dusky Fulvetta方尾鹟, Short-billed Minivet短嘴山椒鸟, Yellow-cheeked Tit黄臀鹎, and Asian Paradise Flycatcher红嘴相思鸟 here.

Overview

The Mizhi Festival, celebrated by the Sani ethnic group in Shilin County, Kunming, Yunnan Province, is a vibrant and culturally rich event that reflects the traditions, beliefs, and agricultural practices of the Sani people, a subgroup of the Yi ethnic minority. This festival typically occurs in the lunar calendar’s sixth month and plays a significant role in the community’s social and spiritual life.

Significance

The Mizhi Festival, which translates to “Festival of Celebrating the Harvest,” is primarily focused on agricultural abundance and the appreciation of nature’s gifts. It is a time for the Sani people to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to pray for good fortune in the upcoming agricultural season. The festival is also an important occasion for socializing, reinforcing community bonds, and preserving cultural heritage.

Main Activities

1. Ritual Offerings: The festival begins with rituals to honor the deities and ancestors. Sani people often prepare special offerings, including food and liquor, as a gesture of gratitude and a plea for blessings on the harvest. These ceremonies are integral to the festival, emphasizing respect for nature and the spiritual world.
2. Traditional Performances: Cultural performances play a significant role in the festivities. Local musicians and dancers showcase traditional Sani songs and dances, often characterized by colorful costumes, lively music, and expressive movements. These performances highlight the rich artistic traditions and folklore of the Sani people.
3. Feasting: Food is central to the Mizhi Festival, and families prepare a variety of traditional dishes to share with friends and neighbors. Dishes might include local specialties made from seasonal ingredients, symbolizing the harvest’s bounty and fostering a sense of community through shared meals.
4. Sports and Games: The festival includes traditional games and sports, promoting friendly competition and community engagement. Activities such as tug-of-war, horse racing, and other traditional games offer both entertainment and a way for participants to display their skills.
5. Community Gatherings: The Mizhi Festival serves as a vital occasion for the Sani community to come together, strengthen ties, and celebrate their shared identity. It is an opportunity for families to reconnect, share stories, and engage in communal activities.
6. Market Activities: During the festival, local markets often spring up, where artisans and farmers sell handicrafts, agricultural products, and traditional food items. This promotes local commerce and allows visitors to experience the cultural richness of the region.

Cultural Heritage

The Mizhi Festival is a celebration of Sani cultural heritage, embodying the values of gratitude, community, and respect for nature. It serves as a platform for passing down traditions to younger generations, ensuring the continuation of the Sani identity amidst modernization pressures.

In summary, the Mizhi Festival in Shilin County is a lively and meaningful event for the Sani ethnic people, emphasizing agricultural abundance, cultural expression, and community cohesion. Through its diverse activities, the festival highlights the unique traditions of the Sani community while fostering a sense of pride and continuity within their cultural landscape.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 香格里拉藏族赛马节
• English Name: Horse Racing Festival of Tibetan Minority in Shangri-La, Diqing
• Location: Shangri-La, Diqing Prefecture

The Horse Racing Festival of the Tibetan minority in Shangri-La is a vibrant and culturally rich event that showcases the unique traditions and nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan people. This annual festival typically takes place in late summer or early autumn, coinciding with the harvest season, and attracts both local residents and visitors from afar.

Horse racing is a highly cherished activity among the Tibetan people. It serves not only as a gathering for farmers and herders to exchange agricultural and pastoral production experiences during their leisure time, but also as a display of the spirit of the Tibetan ethnicity.

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Tibetans in Zhongdian celebrate the traditional Horse Racing Festival. Early on the fifth day, people dressed in festive attire gather from all directions at the foot of Wufeng Mountain, located to the east of the city in China. They set up tents amidst the azalea flowers and prepare a lavish picnic to spend three joyful days here, watching exciting races by riders from famous villages throughout the county. The competition features traditional Tibetan equestrian events, including horsemanship, speed races, and the pick-up of hada (a traditional ceremonial scarf). Besides horse racing, various cultural performances are also held, such as the Guozhuang dance, string dance, and Reba dance.

From the seventh to the ninth of the fifth lunar month, each town sends folk performing arts teams to participate in ethnic and folk art showcases and costume performances in Deqin County, Shangri-La. The performances include traditional dances unique to Deqin, such as the string dance and Reba dance, as well as various songs of blessings and folk songs, aimed at displaying customs and promoting ethnic culture.

Significance

The Horse Racing Festival holds deep cultural significance for the Tibetan community, serving as a celebration of their rich heritage, a showcase of equestrian skills, and a means of fostering social cohesion. It is an occasion to honor the bond between the Tibetan people and their horses, which are central to their way of life, culture, and identity.

Main Activities

1. Horse Racing Competitions: The centerpiece of the festival is the horse racing event itself. Skilled horse riders from various villages participate in thrilling races, demonstrating their horsemanship and the speed of their horses. The races are often held on a designated track, with categories for different age groups and skill levels.
2. Traditional Tibetan Sports: In addition to horse racing, the festival features other traditional sports and games, such as archery, tug-of-war, and various wrestling competitions. These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster camaraderie and friendly competition among participants.
3. Cultural Performances: The festival is imbued with rich cultural performances, including traditional Tibetan music and dance. Local performers often don colorful costumes and engage in dances that reflect Tibetan folklore and customs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
4. Feasting: Food plays an essential role during the Horse Racing Festival. Families and communities gather to prepare and share traditional Tibetan dishes, such as mutton, barley, and cheese, along with local brews like chang (a traditional Tibetan barley beer). Sharing meals is a way to strengthen community bonds and celebrate together.
5. Market Activities: During the festival, local markets become bustling hubs where artisans, craftspeople, and farmers sell their goods. Visitors can find handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and local delicacies, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and supporting local economies.
6. Prayer Ceremonies: The festival often includes religious rituals and ceremonies, where participants may offer prayers for safety, prosperity, and a good harvest. Monks and community leaders may perform blessings, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the event.

Cultural Heritage

The Horse Racing Festival reflects the identity and values of the Tibetan people, showcasing their deep connection to nature, their animals, and their rich cultural traditions. It serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Tibetan heritage, passing down customs and skills to younger generations amidst the pressures of modernization.

In conclusion, the Horse Racing Festival in Shangri-La is a joyous and culturally significant celebration for the Tibetan minority. Through thrilling competitions, traditional performances, and communal feasting, the festival not only honors the spirit of the Tibetan people but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride that resonates throughout the community.

Chinese Name:江川区开渔节
English Name: The Fishing Festival and Plateau Aquatic Products Fair in Jiangchuan District, Yuxi

Jiangchuan Fishing Festival, officially recognized as a national model fishery cultural festival by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2017, marked its first national-level honor, becoming one of the first 25 national model fishery cultural festivals. The festival was established as the “Yunnan Plateau Lake Aquatic Product Trading Center” by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce in 2005.

Festival Overview

• Local Name: 开渔节 (Kaiyu Festival)
• Popular Name: 开海 (Opening the Sea)
• Location: Jiangchuan, Yunnan Province, China

Festival Activities

1. Festival Tradition:
   • Opening Day: On the day the lake opens, fishermen go out to catch fish. Locals purchase fish and enjoy them, often hosting friends and family, making the event lively and festive with visitors coming from afar to witness the “thousand boats racing” and “thousands of people fishing” scenes.
   • Pre-2005: Before 2005, the festival’s timing was inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities for many tourists and food enthusiasts.
2. Post-2005 Developments:
   • From December 25, 2005, the festival has been held at a fixed time and location, integrating various cultural elements such as plateau water town culture, ancient bronze culture of Yunnan, fishery culture, and culinary culture into a series of activities. The festival now features leisure, entertainment, and experiential events, promoting the integration of the fishery industry and boosting tourism and cultural industries in Jiangchuan.

Recent Developments

• Recognition:
  • The Jiangchuan Fishing Festival has gained significant recognition, receiving the “Top Ten County Festivals in China” title and the “Most Worthy of Recommendation County for Plateau Lake Aquatic Products” plaque from various embassies in China in 2009.
  • The festival has also received the title of “National Model Fishery Cultural Festival” and is celebrated annually on December 25th.
• Recent Changes:
  • From 2020 to 2022, fishing at Xingyun Lake was suspended to protect fishery resources. Starting in 2023, the government has modified fishing practices to conserve resources and manage Xingyun Lake effectively.

2023 Festival

• Theme: “Fish Bright Stars • Beautiful Jiangchuan”
• Dates: December 25, 2023, to January 10, 2024
• Activities:
  • Large Net Fishing: Showcase of traditional fishing methods.
  • Fresh Fish Exhibition and Sale: Selling of fresh fish from Xingyun Lake.
  • Fireworks Display: Celebrating the festival with fireworks.
  • Lake Walking Tour: Scenic walking around the lake.
  • Specialty Cooking: Demonstrations and tastings of local cuisine.
  • Leisure Fishing: Recreational fishing activities.

Cultural Significance

• Cultural Integration: The festival combines the rich cultural heritage of Yunnan, including plateau water town culture, ancient bronze culture, fishery culture, and food culture.
• Economic Impact: The festival aids in increasing the income of local fishermen, promoting the development of Jiangchuan’s tourism industry, and improving local financial revenues.
• Safety and Environmental Management: The festival has shifted from a traditional month-long fishing period, which caused congestion and environmental concerns, to a more regulated and safer approach with limited fishing activities to mitigate risks and enhance ecological management.

The Jiangchuan Fishing Festival, with its vibrant cultural activities and environmental stewardship, remains a significant cultural event, attracting visitors and promoting the rich traditions of Yunnan.

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